The general consensus is that Dwight Howard, having recently turned 30, has lost a step.
But the Rockets center doesn't see himself slowing down or stopping anytime soon, as he told reporters he hopes to play in the NBA into his 40s.
MORE: Best NBA moments from 2015 | All-time best Magic players
“That’d be fun if I was to play this game (that long),” Howard said Wednesday, via the Houston Chronicle. “That was always my goal, to play 20 years, 20-something years in this league. I’m extremely happy and blessed to have been able to play this game for as long as I have been so far.”
The first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, Howard is now in his 12th season with his third NBA franchise. His scoring average and field-goal percentage have dropped off in each of his last three seasons. His current average of 13 points per game is the lowest since his rookie season.
He's also been bothered by injuries during the latter half of his career. He hasn't played a full 82 games since 2009-10 with the Magic.
MORE: Dwight went to Houston to play with Harden, commits to making it work
“I have played a lot of minutes,” Howard said. “I’ve been doing a lot since I came into the league. I’m thankful. I’m not going to complain about it. I’m happy that I’ve been able to play 12 years so far. A lot of NBA players never played this long so I am very happy and blessed that I’ve been able to play 12 years in the NBA.
"Hopefully, I can play another 10, but the time I’ve played, I’ve enjoyed it.”